This installment in the series gave us further character development for a lot of side characters as well as Casteel and Poppy. In addition, we get a more thorough introduction to Atlantian culture and customs. Kieran has become my favorite side character. He has a strong friendship with Casteel and I'm hoping we get more moments with them together because I'm always down for a good bromance. Kieran and Poppy have almost the same level of banter as Casteel and her and it's super  fun to read. Those are probably some of my favorite parts of the book. These interactions also help garner an eventual friendship between Kieran and Poppy. The flaws of the characters are focused on, but we are able to sympathize with the characters all the more for it. Casteel is nowhere near a perfect love interest, but he feels like a real person, so I completely appreciate that. We get to explore a lot of the trauma that he has suffered that in many ways mirrors what Poppy has been through. 

There is a bit of political intrigue as Poppy and Casteel attempt to gain the approval of the Atlantians and the wolven for their marriage with all of its political implications. Overall though, there is a focus on both the romantic relationships and the side characters and everyone is very likeable. Poppy continues to discover more about her powers and the ending of the book leaves us with some good questions that I look forward to seeing resolved by the next book.